ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
ACUMA Incorporated: Higher education news, Australia & New Zealand - April 2009
Students from affected countries may have to stay home University of Queensland set to open Chinese institute Helping hand for foreign students Universities look at degree fast-tracking Universities losing foreign students Vice-chancellors buoyed by budget hopes Overseas students abused by bosses, landlords: union Australia 2020 Summit - Government Response More Students Now Eligible for Training and Learning Bonus 2020 Summit: Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Awards 2020 Summit: Skills for the Carbon Challenge $13.7 million upgrade for Chemistry Building at Curtin University New report shows university reforms will drive growth Boost funding to reap rewards: Universities Australia study Education investment would 'boost GDP' Academic quits amid blistering dispute Long way to the top for ranking role Minister to lead university delegation to China IBM to Build Green Data Center in Australia Cash boost urged for poor uni students Higher Education Student Data Collection statistics released Interview transcript: The Hon Julia Gillard MP Importance of overseas students to economy shows need for Student Services reforms Indian students boost the export economy More masters degrees to attract student income support
Students from affected countries may have to stay home Sydney Morning Herald April 30 2009 UNIVERSITIES are gearing up to stop students from countries afflicted by swine flu returning to their studies as part of protective measures against a possible outbreak in Australia. Australian universities are already cancelling or advising deferral of travel to Mexico and monitoring the wellbeing of staff and students in Latin America, the US and Canada. Pandemic response guidelines developed during the SARS outbreak six years ago are being reviewed and updated. Universities and schools are regarded as major sites for the spread of disease. Full article: http://www.smh.com.au/national/students-from-affected-countries-may-have-to-stay-home-20090429anfe.html University of Queensland set to open Chinese institute The Australian April 29 2009 AUSTRALIA'S first Confucius Institute to celebrate China as a power in science is to open at the University of Queensland. "We're delighted to be able to complement existing Confucius institutes, focusing in particular on China's contribution to science, engineering and technology," said UQ senior vice-chancellor Michael Keniger, who signed the deal in Beijing this month. (Brisbane's other institute, hosted by the Queensland University of Technology, concentrates on training language teachers.) Full article: Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25400541-12332,00.html Helping hand for foreign students The Age April 29 2009 A NEW Melbourne support service has been set up to help foreign students who are exploited by unscrupulous colleges, employers and landlords. Overseas Student Support Network Australia (OSSNA) is liaising with the Federal Government to deal with students' complaints, amid growing concern that students' negative experiences in Australia could harm the nation's $13.7 billion international education industry. Full article: http://www.theage.com.au/national/helping-hand-for-foreign-students-20090428-am2k.html Universities look at degree fast-tracking New Zealand Herald April 27 2009 Students will be able to fast-track their masters degrees if New Zealand universities agree to change the rigid structure of the system. The New Zealand standard has always been that to achieve a masters degree, a student must have completed five years of study, and universities have rigidly stuck to that system. Full article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10568764 Universities losing foreign students New Zealand Herald April 22 2009 Universities struggle to hang on to international students despite the low dollar and are leaning on the new markets of India and Saudi Arabia to make up their numbers. Auckland, Otago, Massey, Victoria and Auckland University of Technology (AUT) have reported an overall decline in international equivalent full-time students since last year, despite reports earlier this year touting high numbers of new enrolments. Full article: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10567878 Vice-chancellors buoyed by budget hopes University World News April 26 2009 Australia's 38 public universities lost an estimated A$800 million (US$568 million) last year as a result of the global financial meltdown. With the nation now officially immersed in a recession and higher education institutions facing the prospect of an even more serious decline in revenues, vice-chancellors are looking to the federal government and next month's budget for a substantial boost in spending. Full article: http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20090424130751184
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
Overseas students abused by bosses, landlords: union Geraldton News April 21 2009 FOREIGN students are being paid less than the minimum wage, sharing with as many as 10 others to a flat and battling for utensils in overcrowded hospitality courses, according to industry sources. The State Government has formed a taskforce to investigate the exploitation of students who are lured to NSW with false expectations of job opportunities and unrealistic study plans. Full article: http://geraldton.yourguide.com.au/news/national/national/general/overseas-students-abused-bybosses-landlords-union/1492827.aspx?storypage=0 Australia 2020 Summit - Government Response April 24 2009 The Prime Minister released the Government response to the Australia 2020 Summit on 22 April 2009. The release follows the Prime Minister’s commitment to consider fully the more than 900 ideas generated by participants to the Australia 2020 Summit. The Response outlines ideas the government will implement, those it will explore further and those which, at this time, will not proceed. The Response includes ten chapters – based on the topics discussed at the Australia 2020 Summit – which can be viewed or downloaded separately. http://www.australia2020.gov.au/response/index.cfm More Students Now Eligible for Training and Learning Bonus Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 24 2009 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today announced arrangements for payment of the one-off $950 Training and Learning Bonus payment to eligible postgraduate scholarship students. The one-off $950 Training and Learning Bonus is being extended to help certain postgraduate scholarship recipients under an administrative scheme, in addition to current student income support recipients and recipients of other income support payments returning to study or training who are already being paid the bonus. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090424_151412.aspx 2020 Summit: Prime Minister’s Australia Asia Endeavour Awards Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 23 2009 The 2020 Summit, the Youth Summit and the Schools Summit all recognised the importance of Australia being an Asia-literate country. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090423_092319.aspx
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
2020 Summit: Skills for the Carbon Challenge Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 23 2009 The Government will commit $25.7 million over four years to progress the 2020 Summit idea that by 2020 Australia should be the world’s leading green and sustainable economy, making a major contribution to a comprehensive global response to climate change. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090423_091944.aspx $13.7 million upgrade for Chemistry Building at Curtin University Media Release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 22 2009 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, today visited the Curtin University of Technology to tour facilities soon to be upgraded through the Rudd Government’s $500 million Better Universities Renewal Fund (BURF). Curtin University received $13.7 million to replan and refurbish the Chemistry Building, one of its oldest buildings on the Bentley Campus in Western Australia. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090422_152833.aspx New report shows university reforms will drive growth Media Release: Universities Australia April 22 2009 Universities Australia today released the results of a KPMG study that shows implementation of the recommendations of the Review of Australian Higher Education (the “Bradley Review”) will drive Australian recovery and growth, and provide increases in future skills, productivity, exports and GDP. Media Release: http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/content.asp?page=/news/media_releases/2009/uniaus_medi a_04_09.htm Background brief (pdf): http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/documents/publications/policy/submissions/KPMG-EcontechBackground-Brief--April-2009.pdf Complete KPMG Report (pdf): http://www.universitiesaustralia.edu.au/documents/publications/policy/submissions/KPMG-EcontechApril-2009.pdf Boost funding to reap rewards: Universities Australia study The Australian April 22 2009 AN $11 billion boost to higher education funding by 2040 would generate an additional $137.8billion in gross domestic product, including an extra $1.5billion in export income from international student fees, according to a study commissioned by Universities Australia. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25367148-12332,00.html
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
Education investment would 'boost GDP' ABC News April 22 2009 Australia's universities claim new economic modelling shows an investment in higher education could help lift the country out of a recession. Full article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/22/2549115.htm?section=australia Academic quits amid blistering dispute Brisbane Times April 2 2009 THE financial reputation of Australia's oldest regional university is under siege after its vice-chancellor stood down early amid claims the institution was "technically insolvent" last year. After almost four years in the position, Professor Alan Pettigrew will retire early from the University of New England with a reported 18 months left to run on his contract. Full article: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/academic-quits-amid-blistering-dispute-20090420acq6.html Long way to the top for ranking role The Australian April 22 2009 AT least four Australian universities have set ambitious targets of cracking a top 200 and even a top 50 placing in world rankings despite official moves to downplay them so all students receive a "world-class education". Priorities set by the Rudd Government and its Bradley and Cutler higher education and innovation reviews have reversed the former Howard government's goal of having one or two universities in the top 50 and even some in the top 10. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25367147-12332,00.html Minister to lead university delegation to China WA Gov't Media Statement April 15 2009 Education Minister Liz Constable is to lead a delegation of vice-chancellors from four Perth universities to China to promote and profile the city as a location for high-quality higher education. During next week’s visit, the delegation would meet key members of government, education officials and university representatives in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou. Full article: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131687
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
IBM to Build Green Data Center in Australia eWeek.com April 08 2009 Victoria University has more than 45,000 students spread out over 11 campuses, said Stephen Weller, the school's pro vice chancellor of students. "The data center is critical to supplying educational services to all our students, as well as supporting the university's administrative functions," Weller said in a statement. "With the rapid growth in data, we needed to make sure that we stay ahead of the game, and so acquired a design and solution that would cater for our data center needs for the next 10 years—including increased power, cooling, space and floor load capacity." Full article: http://www.eweek.com/c/a/IT-Infrastructure/IBM-to-Build-Green-Data-Center-in-Australia-269613/ Cash boost urged for poor uni students Adelaide Now April 07 2009 UNIVERSITY vice-chancellors expect more money in the Federal Budget for poor students, saying excessive part-time work is interfering with their studies. University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor James McWha said too many students had to work "excessive" hours to make ends meet. Full article: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,27574,25300290-2682,00.html Higher Education Student Data Collection statistics released Media release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 02 2009 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard has today welcomed new figures released which show that the number of students in higher education in Australia is growing. Figures released today by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations show student numbers exceeded 925 000 in the first half of 2008. This represents an increase of 2.8 per cent from the same period in 2007 (increasing from 900 442 to 925 511). Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090403_081602.aspx Interview transcript: The Hon Julia Gillard MP April 01 2009 ISSUES: Better Universities Renewal Funding for Flinders University; Building the Education Revolution; Bradley Review; Paid Maternity Leave; Budget; Get Up April Fools’ advertisement; Defence Minister; Fair Work Act JULIA GILLARD: It’s great to be here with my colleague Amanda Rishworth to participate in celebrating some exciting new developments at Flinders University. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Transcripts/Pages/Article_090401_160452.aspx Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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ACUMA Inc.: the Association representing campus service organisations in Australia & New Zealand Higher education news • April 2009
Importance of overseas students to economy shows need for Student Services reforms Media release: The Hon Kate Ellis MP April 01 2009 Importance of overseas students to economy shows need for Student Services reforms A new report assessing the significant contribution overseas students make to the Australian economy has highlighted the need for the Australian Government’s student services reforms to be implemented as soon as possible. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Ellis/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090401_165541.aspx Indian students boost the export economy The Australian April 02 2009 VASHA Vankadesh is the new face of Australia's export economy. As part of an exploding diaspora of young Indians now studying in Australia, she contributes more than $30,000 a year to the domestic economy as she ploughs her way through an engineering degree at the Australian National University in Canberra. But Vasha's investment in Australia is unlikely to end there. Full article: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25277222-5013871,00.html More masters degrees to attract student income support Media release: The Hon Julia Gillard MP March 27 2009 The Minister for Education, Julia Gillard today released an extended list of masters by coursework programs that have been approved for student income support, with students studying these courses now eligible to apply for Youth Allowance and Austudy. Full article: http://www.deewr.gov.au/Ministers/Gillard/Media/Releases/Pages/Article_090327_153457.aspx
Locked Bag 1333, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia ABN: 56 168 491 622 Tel: +61 3 6324 3935 / Fax: +61 3 6324 3670 / admin.acuma@acuma.org.au / www.acuma.org.au
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